El Tesoro
El Tesoro and Oro Azul (NOM 1079) were my first loves when it comes to tequila. I was worried the brand wasn't going to be able to keep up with quality from some of the early-2000s Olive Oil bottlings that made me fall in love. While the profile isn't entirely the same today, the quality is definitely still there - especially on the core line-up XA offerings and these single barrel repos.
7 Guys Collective is a series of seven liquor stores on the Southside of Chicago (both city and burbs). They do a LOT of picks and generally are very well received by enthusiasts.
El Tesoro Reposado - 7 Guys Collective (B-046) - 40.5%
Notes: Rich and heavy right out of the glass on the nose - savory spice, black pepper, cheesy, fresh pepper. Full on the palate as well - poblano (there's a chile relleno quality here), light orange, minerality, savory spice. The structure is full, rich, and slow. Light baking spice mid-palate to provide structure.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) Rich, heavier style - love it.
***
El Tesoro Anejo - Batch 003 (2018) - 40%
Notes: Nose is very light w/ clean, fresh agave, citrus, mint, faint honeydew, background cream cheese frosting. Light on the palate as well, but still balanced and complex - citrus, melon, some earthy clay, minerality. Cardamom pops on the back half to keep the structure active.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) Many of these notes feel like a soft callback to the early-2000s, Olive Oil bottlings that I loved so much. Just a little dialed back, lighter in body, and not quite as expressive.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour